About Maria A. Karamitsos

Greek American writer based in Chicago, writes about all things Greek for various publications, including The Greek Star and GreekCircle magazine. Her work has appeared in The National Herald and at HarlotSauceRadio.com. Maria served as the food editor of "Greektown Chicago: Its History, Its Recipes," by Alexa Ganakos.
Author Archive | Maria A. Karamitsos

New “Greektown North” Draws Families and Shops to the Chicago Suburbs

  The Greek Star recently published a special, in-depth report on the growing Greek community in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago.   By WWII and thereafter, as Greeks moved up the socio-economic scale, and after the displacement of the original Greektown (The Delta), Greeks joined the pattern of affluent Chicagoans, and moved to the suburbs.  [...]

PAA’s AGAPE on the Terrace Raises $75,000 for Charities in Crete

The Pancretan Association of America’s Philanthropic Committee hosted its first annual Agape on the Terrace fundraiser on June 8 on the rooftop terrace of the National Hellenic Museum in Chicago. The event, along with silent and live auctions, raised more than$75,000 to benefit orphans, adults and the elderly in Crete in need of healthcare. The fundraiser will [...]

“OPA” is More Than Just a Word; It’s a Way of Life

Alex Pattakos, PhD has focused his work on helping people find meaning in their lives. One day, he had an “aha” moment, or rather an “OPA” moment: he determined that so much can be derived from Greek philosophy and traditional village customs; a search for meaning could be even more profound while embracing the passion and [...]

Greeks Got Talent Showcases Chicago Area Youth

Chicago area Greek-American youth were spotlighted in the 1st annual Greeks Got Talent, presented by St. Demetrios Church of Libertyville, IL. In the 7-11 year old category, 19 young people competed. In the 12-18 year old category, there were 21 contestants. The talented youngsters sang; some played instruments, like piano, bouzouki, guitar, cello and clarinet; [...]

US’ Oldest Continuously Published Greek Newspaper Gets a Makeover

Founded in 1904, Chicago’s The Greek Star, the oldest continuously published Greek newspaper in the US re-launched yesterday, revealing a new design, format and logo, as well as refined editorial content. From the moment it hit the streets, the premiere issue, bearing the headline “Does Greece Matter?” generated tremendous buzz. This rhetorical question makes the reader [...]

Chicago’s Historic Hull House Shuttered; Helped Many Greek Immigrants

The historic Jane Addams Hull House Association has closed after more than 122 years of service. Citing tough economic times, the social service agency shuttered on Friday after previously announcing a March closing date. They’ve filed bankruptcy. Founded in 1889, Hull House was created through the vision of Jane Addams, who is remembered as a [...]

The New National Hellenic Museum Officially Open

Today, Chicago’s new National Hellenic Museum, the first of its kind in the United States, officially opened to the public. The stunning 40,000 square foot facility was unveiled on December 8 with a special[...]

Innovative Young Greek-American Creates Cartoules Press

When you can’t find what you’re looking for, make your own. Right? San Francisco Bay-area native Julie Karatzis has done just that. Back in 2009 when she and her Athenian-born husband Spiros were planning their wedding – which took place in Greece – she sought letterpress invitations, written in both Greek and English. She couldn’t [...]

World Premiere of “Frankenstein: Day of the Beast”

Greek-American film company Thespis will present the World Premiere of its new film, FRANKENSTEIN: DAY OF THE BEAST this weekend. It’s a retelling of the classic story, produced by Andrew C. Mathews, executive produced by John Marinopoulos and Elias Plakias.   “We stayed within the plot to honor Mary Shelley’s legendary original, but we added our own [...]

Chicago Fundraiser Benefits Local Boys Battling Neuroblastoma

The Donate Your Way fundraiser is an annual fundraising event that offers something different and unique in terms of charitable giving. It was created in 2009 by Eleni Demertzis, Gina Gianakopoulos, Gia Marinis and Maria Kiagias. This year’s event will benefit two Chicago boys battling Neuroblastoma. Donate Your Way works in two different ways. By hosting [...]

Visitors Get a Sneak Peek at New National Hellenic Museum

This month, the National Hellenic Museum, the newest thing in ancient history, welcomes its first visitors for a month-long preview. The new museum opened its doors on November 8, allowing visitors to be among the first to experience Chicago’s newest cultural   The only museum in the US devoted to telling the story of Greek history, [...]

Arahovites Host Fundraiser to Help Young Woman Recover from Aneurysm

This weekend, KAREAI Society Arahoviton Chicago will host a fundraiser for Maria Vastis Chamberlan. The Gala of Inspiration will raise money to help defray her medical expenses, as she recovers from an aneurysm.  Born and raised in the Chicago area, Maria, 30,was always very artistic. “She was always drawing,” her mother, Athena said. For a time she [...]